Chandigarh, Dec. 22 -- A directive by the Centre's ministry of food and public distribution to quality check every batch of fortified rice kernels (FRK) produced in the Punjab will cause unnecessary delay in shelling on paddy, the millers' body said on Sunday.

FRK is a nutrient-based supplement consisting of iron, folic acid and Vitamin B-12. There are 120 units in Punjab which are into production of FRK.

As per estimates, this season, 10,000 batches of FRK have to be tested. The 1 lakh tonne FRK to be produced is to be mixed with 105 lakh tonnes of rice expected to be milled this season from 156 lakh tonnes of procured paddy. The Centre will pay the cost of FRK at a rate of Rs.39.80 per quintal, and total expenditure this season is Rs....